By S, KNA
The push by Mt. Kenya East to produce a presidential candidate in 2032 has received a significant boost after National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa endorsed the call for regional unity and reciprocity.
The region has long advocated that Mt. Kenya West reciprocate the decades of support given to presidential candidates from the East by backing one of their own in the 2032 race.
Speaking in Embu Town on Tuesday during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots leaders’ meeting, Ichung’wa commended Mt. Kenya East for its consistent support to the West and urged the region to prepare for collective action when the time comes.
“You as the people of Mt. Kenya East, have no doubt that when the time comes, we shall all stand together united as the people of Mt. Kenya Region because we know where we want to go,” he said.
He emphasized that the unity of the region has been the foundation of its political success over the years and that continued cooperation is essential to sustaining shared prosperity.
According to Ichung’wa, Mt. Kenya West has produced three presidents largely due to the unwavering backing from Mt. Kenya East, a precedent of loyalty that should be recognised in future leadership discussions.
He recalled that presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta received critical support from Mt. Kenya East, noting that Kibaki’s second term would not have been possible without votes from Tharaka Nithi County, which played a decisive role in securing his victory.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, a vocal advocate for fair regional representation and development, said that the loyalty of Mt. Kenya East should not be overlooked.
She urged Mt. Kenya West to reciprocate by supporting Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the first leader from Mt. Kenya East to rise to the country’s second-highest position.
“God has shown us favor by giving us a Deputy President from our area, and we are looking upon our brothers and sisters from the West to support him as we look forward to propel him further,” she said.
The leaders also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting hate and divisive politics within the region.
The endorsement by Ichung’wa is seen as a major political boost for the 2032 presidential ambitions of Mt. Kenya East and is likely to strengthen calls for unity and strategic collaboration within the region.
